Thursday, July 28, 2016

Sound Check 1, 2, 3 – What You Need to Know (Guest Blog: MeetingsNet)

 

Sound Check Speaker EventThe sound check may not be the most glamorous item on your event checklist, but it is one of the most important. Without smoothly functioning audiovisual, your speakers’ messages will be lost.

 

As Sidney Stoper, account executive with J& S Audio Visual and chair of the Meetings Industry Council of Colorado, says, the “sound check is paramount for live events, not only for the speaker and audiovisual crew, but most important, for the audience.”

 

I reached out to meeting planners, speakers, and AV pros to get their tips. Here some ways they say all involved can make audiovisual checks more fun, more productive, and more valuable for the entire event team.

 

Planner to-dos:

 
Schedule a reasonable time for the sound check.
If possible, plan to hold the sound check on the same day as the presentation, and include the time in your speaker communications and/or contract. Many speakers travel to multiple events during any given week, and they will need to factor your sound check into their plans. Allow afternoon speakers to do a sound check during the lunch break if possible. And give yourself plenty of time to work out any glitches. As best-selling author and keynote speaker on creativity and innovation Scott Berkun says, “Ensure the sound check is planned [so you have time] to deal with unforeseen problems. Don’t assume it will go well.”

Request riders in advance.
Insist that speakers provide you with a rider outlining their AV needs so your team will be equipped to handle their requests. If your speakers don’t have riders, strongly suggest they create one or at least send you an email or checklist outlining their AV needs.

 

AV team to-dos:

Provide guidance.
Share tips with speakers to help them look and sound better and really shine. Are there any areas of the stage they should avoid to keep from stepping out of lighting? Are there any concerns you have noticed about the venue? Leadership and communications speakerRob Cottingham suggests, “If a tech can help me know how much I can drop my voice and still be heard, and how far back I have to pull back from the mic if I want to yell, it can make a world of difference in my performance.”

Have fun.
It’s my personal policy to always learn the names of the tech team and have a relaxed and fun sound check. Make your speakers feel comfortable!

Be on the same team.
Most professional speakers have a checklist, and they are used to regular sound checks. They appreciate being treated as professionals. Thought leader and keynote speaker Peter Sheehan says, “Remember we are on the same team—please don’t treat me like an idiot. Instead of starting with ‘We can’t do that,’ have ‘Let me see how we can make that happen’ be your default position.

Be thoughtful.
At a recent speech I gave, the AV crew had already placed water bottles on stage, removed the lectern (because I am less than five feet tall, my rider asks for it to be removed), and placed a small, dressed cocktail table on stage for me before I arrived for the sound check. These touches might seem small, but following the rider requests and paying attention to the details makes a huge difference to speakers.

Allow speakers to use their remote.
Ensure the range of the remote is sufficient, and it’s compatible with the AV system. For many professional speakers, “the remote is an extension of our hand—we have these in our hands as often as our toothbrushes. We press buttons with muscle memory,” says speaker Lisa Cummings. Speakers prefer to use their own remotes, so please let them when it’s possible.

 

Speaker to-dos:

 
Be on time.
Show up at the appointed time for your sound check—don’t ever steal other speakers’ minutes. Arrive at least an hour before the start of your presentation. Bring your presentation files, and be ready to rehearse if necessary.

Learn about AV and staging.
Mitch Beede at Image Audio Visuals says, “We highly recommend speakers bring their current, updated presentation on a USB stick. The technology standard is 16:9 ratio. And please notify the tech staff of any embedded video, timed transitions, or builds.”

Know not to walk in front of the audio-speakers, and check the stage for movement, squeaks, and gaps. As a stiletto wearer, I sweetly request the stage be taped so my heels don’t get stuck in the cracks (that’s so not glamorous!). Also, please don’t make crazy last-minute requests or surprises for your AV crew.

Create a checklist.
Berkun says, “Check everything! Check the AV levels, slides, and embedded video, house lights, performance lights, slide management (backward and forward), confidence monitor, intro/outro music, and tables or resources on stage. Make a note in your AV request form of where you like to present from, what you want—and don’t want—on stage, and carry it with you to your sound check.”

Consider wardrobe.
Speakers need to ensure their wardrobe can accommodate the belt pack if they will be wearing a lavaliere mic. Beede also recommends speakers consider wearing a shirt with a collar to attach the lav microphone to. Remove your name badge (to avoid feedback, audio problems, and light reflection), check your zipper, make sure your bra strap isn’t showing, and look in the mirror before walking on stage (to make sure there’s no spinach in your teeth!).

Know your microphone needs.
Do you prefer a headset mic, a lavaliere, or handheld? Some speakers even invest a few dollars in their own kits. I purchased a Countryman mic and multiple adaptors for every sound system that I bring with me, along with clear medical tape to make sure it stays fastened. I always get a great reaction from the AV crew when they see I am prepared with my own mic and tape—and actually know how to use it.

 

If you pay attention to these details, the result will be a more productive sound check, and a better experience for your attendees.

 

(This blog first appeared originally on www.meetingsnet.com, guest authored by Neen James.)

The post Sound Check 1, 2, 3 – What You Need to Know (Guest Blog: MeetingsNet) appeared first on Neen James.

Monday, July 25, 2016

Prepare for the Seasons

 

Prepare for the SeasonsBucks County, where I live, experiences every season. We get hot sticky summers, spectacular Fall leaves, snow in winter and spring brings stunning flowers. It’s stunning and when we moved from Australia I had no idea that people in this area ‘winterize’ their homes (not a term I’d heard before).

 

My home has two fireplaces so each year we have two cords of wood delivered (for my Aussie readers, a cord is a measurement of wood used in the US and Canada, who knew?)

 

Recently while helping my honey stack this wood perfectly into his specially designed woodshed (he’s an engineer), it struck me our businesses have seasons too.

 

As an opening keynote speaker for corporate audiences, most of my busy season is Spring, Fall and Winter, the summer has an easier pace as many of our corporate clients don’t host events with teams on vacation. It would be easy to get concerned with gaps in our calendar (and believe me I used to), until I realized the seasonal patterns.

 

Maybe your business, your company, your health, or even some relationships have seasons.

 

Here are 3 strategies to help you prepare for your seasons.

 

Know your cycles – this one took me a little while to learn in the US, it was different to Australia (the seasons are opposite).  Learning what the busy and slower cycles are in your business allows you to allocate your energy and resources in the best times. I choose summers to write books and catch up on development projects that I don’t get to while I am traveling during my busy seasons. What are the cycles in your business? How can you plan for the downtime and the busy times?

 

Do the work – stacking wood might be one of my least favorite activities in the summer heat however I have to be reminded how much I love watching a fire at night and the coziness it creates in my home. The wood has to be delivered early so it can be dry and ready when we need it.

 

When we are busy it’s easy to take our eye of the business development strategies or leadership development opportunities because we are so busy ‘doing the work’. We also need to be planning for strategic thinking time and people development time. Doing and planning are both important considerations for every leader wanting to focus their resources on what really matters.

 

Keep the faith – have you ever had a winter (or a dark season) that felt so long… a few years in Doylestown I have wondered when the winter is ever going to end! Mother nature takes her time and yet we know spring will arrive and with it fresh flowers, new leaves on the trees, baby squirrels and birds everywhere. Hibernation is sometimes required for recovery time or to access what are your most important strategies and focus for the next season.

 

Stay focused on why you are doing the work, what you need to achieve and know that the next season (and maybe your reward), is just around the corner.

 

Pay attention to what matters in your current season and remember we reap what we sow.

 

What can you do today to help you be prepared for your next season?

 

The post Prepare for the Seasons appeared first on Neen James.

Wednesday, July 20, 2016

Serving Different Generations – Guest Blog by Anna Liotta

business mentor senior teach audience millennial lessons professionalDo you ever deliver customer service that makes every generation feel delighted or dismayed?

Most companies claim, “What makes us different is how we serve our clients and customers.” But all too often, what is really happening is they are treating each generation of customers EXACTLY the same. Without knowing it, they are ticking them off and pushing them away!

One size fits all is NOT a pattern for success, when it comes to multi-generational customer service.


Delivering extraordinary customer service must be done with the customer’s GENERATIONAL CODES™ in mind. What may APPEAR to one generation as superior service, may be a smack of smothering or pressure to another.

 

For example, a Traditionalist customer walks into a department store to purchase a new pair of shoes. The Millennial service professional shouts out across the store, “Let me know if you need anything!” The Traditionalist mutters to herself, “How rude!” In her Generational Code™, a shout across the store is not professional or respectful customer service. She wants the service team member to at least walk across the store to greet her, and then stay close by. She doesn’t want to have to shout or hunt for them when she has a question.

 

Here’s a seemingly similar scenario, but entirely different Generationally Savvy™ answer. A Gen Xer walks into a boutique clothing store. An older service professional walks right up and greets her by saying, “It’s such nice weather we are having! What brings you in today? Is this a special occasion? Are you celebrating?”

 

The Gen Xer gives the service team member a deliberate blank look and says, “No, I’m just looking,” hoping the service person will just go away. It takes EVERYTHING in the Xer’s power not to rush out of the store. Meanwhile, the Boomer team member hovers close by, ready to jump in at the slightest opening. The Gen Xer is thinking to herself, “Seriously! I know where to find you, if I need you, please leave me alone!”

 

What we have here is a GENERATIONAL CODES™  collision. Neither approach to customer service was inherently right or wrong. BOTH service professionals weren’t taking into account was the GENERATIONAL CODES™ of each customer.

 

Exceptional customer service means something DIFFERENT to each generation, and our mission is to see the world from EACH generation’s perspective. We need to seek to serve in their GENERATIONAL CODES™.

 

Why Do We Serve? We serve to make our customer’s experience of using our products and services effortless, exceptional and to make our customer’s day.

 

This original post can be found on Anna Liotta’s website at www.resultance.com. For more information on how you and your company can better understand how you can focus on generationally specific customer service and culture. Visit Anna Liotta.

 

Anna Liotta Generation Speaker

Anna Liotta, creator of Generationally Savvy™ Communication Solutions, is an award-winning speaker, consultant and author who engages and energizes national audiences with her practical strategies for attracting, growing and retaining top talent and loyal clients from every generation.

Her unique inter-disciplinary approach integrates the crucial elements of communications, sociology, business psychology, and demography. Her expertise and approach have helped such companies as Pike Place Fish, Intel, Wells Fargo, Office Max, United Way and Merrill Lynch.

 

The post Serving Different Generations – Guest Blog by Anna Liotta appeared first on Neen James.

Monday, July 18, 2016

So You Want to be a Professional Speaker?

10 Strategies to Become a Professional Speaker

Being a professional speaker might just be the coolest job on earth!

 

For many it’s not a job, it’s a calling. Sounds weird, yet it’s true for many.

 

Often as the opening keynote speaker at corporate or association events, I am approached after by audience members wanting a career as a speaker (love that). If I have done my job well, I have made it look super easy.

 

If you are interested in being a professional speaker here’s several ideas to help you and you might also like to watch a video we created for you with even more details.

 

Join National Speakers Association (NSA) – this professional body made up of experts who speak, has local chapters, free resources, international affiliations and annual conferences. Find out more on this website.

 

Download the Voices of Experience App (VOE) – go back and listen to the 2013 editions, the year chaired by Theo Androus, that was my favorite year filled with business oriented interviews with a diverse range of guests.

 

Download Speaker Magazine – you’ll receive a monthly edition when you become a member and the digital version is available online. Great articles with strategies on the art and business of speaking.

 

Record yourself – on your iPhone and also on video. Always record video footage you might be able to use later for a speaker show reel (sometimes called a sizzle reel, is a compilation of video footage showing you and your audience interactions, and showcasing your expertise). Get audience shots, audience testimonials, a variety of stages, close ups and long distance shots to provide variety to your show reel.

 

Study masters – I have been blessed to be mentored by the greats that include Matt Church, Mark Sanborn, Connie Podesta, Scott McKain, Mark Scharenbroich, Michael Port, Lou Heckler… the list is long. Check out each one of these brilliant speakers, they truly are exceptional at what they do.

 

Read well – highly recommended books include Steal the Show (I also love the podcast by the same name) and also Book Yourself Solid by Michael Port, Thought Leadership and also Sell Your Thoughts by Matt Church, Million Dollar Consulting and also Value Based Fees by Alan Weiss. The authors are thought leaders in their fields and these are my fave books for this profession.

 

Read this article on what to QUIT if you want to be a great speaker by Connie Podesta – it’s pure genius.

 

Check out the great videos by Scott McKain for people wanting to enter the speaking industry.

 

Listen intently to others and then trust your gut – you will hear so much advice, wisdom and expertise from other professional speakers, all shared with the best of intentions for you. Make sure you filter it all and determine what is best for you.

 

Don’t buy everything – take 24 hours to decide before buying a book, a course, webinar… whatever it is. One of my many mistakes early in my career was wasting many dollars and hours on anything that was recommended to me, don’t do it. Save your money. Do your due diligence.

 

Invest in yourself – this profession is easy to get into … and hard to stay in. Invest time and dollars to seek out the best coaches, the best resources and the best use of your time.  Remember start with the free resources, watch videos, study diligently and then determine where you can best direct your investment and attention.

 

So where do you start?

 

Start where you are. Join a local meeting of NSA, download the free apps, read the magazines, buy the books, and watch other speakers – this is one of the most incredible industries you will ever be part of.

 

Speakers are all about service and some of the most generous, committed people I have met in this industry, and I hope that’s your experience too.

 

Good luck on your speaking journey.

The post So You Want to be a Professional Speaker? appeared first on Neen James.

How to Become a Professional Speaker: 10 Strategies and Resources


Watch video on YouTube here: http://youtu.be/PMuv6aSVLJ0
via CHANNEL TITLE

How to Become a Professional Speaker: 10 Strategies and Resources


Watch video on YouTube here: http://youtu.be/PMuv6aSVLJ0
via CHANNEL TITLE

Wednesday, July 13, 2016

Wonder Aimlessly: Guest Blog by Jason Kotecki

wonder-aimlessly jason kotecki

Summer ain’t what it used to be.

At the risk of sounding like a crotchety old man a few decades early, the summers of my youth were not packed wall-to-wall with extracurricular affairs. Yes, there was Little League, but the days were long enough to accommodate no small number of other “aimless” pursuits. Playing home run derby in the tennis court with my friends. Exploring the ravine near my house as a pint-sized Indiana Jones. Sorting and displaying my baseball cards, and then drawing my own.

It was the opportunity to freely explore the things that fascinated me, without the prospect of a bell ringing in my ear telling me when to stop. I could follow my own curiosity, tugging on the proverbial thread that leads from one thing to another and then another, in a way that strict 50-minute periods don’t look kindly upon.

This ability to “wonder aimlessly” is a valuable thing. It is the heart and soul of tinkering and the key to a happy, fulfilling life.

It’s also something we need to fight to protect for our children and ourselves. One of the reasons Kim and I homeschool is to keep the “old school” spirit of summer alive, all year ’round.

According to the dictionary, to “wonder” is to “desire or be curious to know something.” It’s also to “feel admiration and amazement; marvel.” Meanwhile, to be “aimless” is to be “without goal, purpose, or direction.”

Wonder is a state we tend to view favorably. To be aimless, on the other hand, is an American sin. Someone without a goal or direction is seen in a negative light. A slacker, destined for an unproductive, ungratifying life.

The current system in America is anything but aimless. From the earliest ages, the goal is to get kids reading as quickly as possible, even if that means limiting the amount of time they have for “aimless” free play, which interestingly enough,science has confirmed is crucial to the development of resiliency and conflict resolution, while helping them discover their own areas of interest and engage fully in the passions they wish to pursue.

Once they are reading, the race is to get them to excel in a handful of subjects deemed worthwhile (science and math for sure, art and music and building things, not so much) so that their test scores match up favorably with other children in different cultures around the world.

Even extracurricular activities are highly structured and systematized, and have grown so demanding that they completely crowd out any time for those “aimless” pursuits, like the ones from the summers of my quickly retreating youth.

Of course, all of this academic and extracurricular excessiveness is necessary in order to get an esteemed university to look favorably upon our children, so that they will grant them admission to their hallowed halls, only to graduate burdened with suffocating financial debt and haunted by the uncertainty of not knowing if this is really what they want to do with the rest of their life…

…because they never had the chance to wonder aimlessly.

Direction and structure and purpose are good things. But they are empty skeletons if we have not been given the slow stretches of time to spend figuring out for ourselves what we like and don’t like, what we’re good at, what fascinates us and matters to us, and what lights us up inside so much that Friday is simply Friday, not some reason to thank God for the sweet relief from another week spent in drudgery.

One can never experience too much wonder. Unfortunately, we have less of it now than ever because we have filled our lives with too many distractions. In order to get it, we need to put our phones down, opt-out of some of the structured activities that eat our calendar, and carve out time for a little aimlessness.

 

This original blog was published at http://ift.tt/1UHRjni. I encourage you to visit, share your comments, thoughts and subscribe to his work. You won’t regret it!

 

About Jason Kotecki: 

 

Jason KoteckiA master at exposing the rules that don’t exist that limit our success, Jason uses his extraordinary artistic gifts, combined with humor and memorable storytelling, to spark intentional thinking that leads people to become more passionate, productive, and profitable.

 

His inspiring, engaging, and heart-warming programs are visual masterpieces jam-packed with relevant, practical information coated in fun. They are ideal for organizations looking to increase morale, engagement, and innovative thinking.

As a result of Jason’s programs, your people will be…

  • Armed with tools to identify hidden limitations that are holding them back.
  • Equipped to reduce stress and prevent burnout.
  • Energized to reclaim their passion for doing their best work.
  • Empowered to shift their perspective to foster innovation.

 

The post Wonder Aimlessly: Guest Blog by Jason Kotecki appeared first on Neen James.

Tuesday, July 12, 2016

10 Strategies for a Digital Detox

Digital Detox AttentionJim Rohn said ‘success is nothing more than a few simple disciplines practiced every day’

 

I bet Jim was an awesome dinner date. He’s on my list of people I would have loved spent time with. He’s right about success, but what if it’s discipline we lack?

 

According to Fast Company, social media promotes narcissism, smartphones could cause insomnia, and screens seem to be making kids less empathetic.

 

Do you suffer from Facebook fatigue?

 

Do you suffer from social media overwhelm?

 

That was my reality (digital overwhelm) and so I decided to go on a self-imposed digital detox. You are probably familiar with juice detoxes (which I also love… but that’s topic for another blog). My digital detox was three days without email, social media and being online in any way.

 

Could you do a digital detox?

 

I thought it would be easy (well it was… and it wasn’t). I loved not looking at my phone, turning on my computer or mindlessly scrolling through websites. I also chose a holiday weekend so it was easier and many people were distracted by celebrating with those they love.

 

Here are 10 ways you could try your own digital detox… you might want to start small, maybe don’t go for three days… maybe start with 3 hours on Sunday morning – can you do it?

 

  1. Choose a timeframe – determine how long and honor the commitment to yourself. If going off line gives you heart palpitations you may want to start small. Could you start with a 3-hour timeframe?
  2. Tell loved ones – if your family and friends are used to connecting with you online, share with them that you are going offline and reassure them you are OK. Do you need to schedule a date with someone you care about to remind them they are special to you?
  3. Put away devices – consider switching it off and if you can’t do that, leave it in your bag or your car or desk drawer so you aren’t tempted to take a sneak peak at email or Facebook. Do you really need your phone with you 24/7?
  4. Turn off notifications – turn off anything that will distract you like messages, sounds or reminders that you have messages waiting for you. Do you really need all those reminders making you feel bad?
  5. Complete some projects –15 magazines sat in a pile reminding me I was behind…. each time another Success magazine arrived I felt overwhelmed … one of my projects was to enjoy the pile of magazines, take action on things I read and now the pile is only 5 magazines. Can’t say I completed it, but did make a huge dint in the pile. What is something that needs your attention that you have been putting off?
  6. Use blocking software – I love Freedom App on my laptop and iPhone, which blocks websites for periods of time so I can get things done. Could you try Freedom to allow you to focus and get things done?
  7. Be quiet – the biggest benefit of the detox was being alone with my thoughts (which is good and scary … it’s crazy town in my head). On Sunday a 5-mile walk with no phone, no music, no gadgets felt so good. It was great to notice much more and to work things out on my walk. Could you sit still for a period of time and be alone with your thoughts?
  8. Schedule fun – plan to meet someone for a date, go hiking, sit in the sun, read magazines, or call someone you love that you haven’t spoken to for a while. Could you use the time to do something you love to do without technology?
  9. Be accountable – share with the people in your home that you are going to be offline and would love their support. I even offered to give my honey my cell phone to keep me accountable, but didn’t need to. Who do you need to be accountable to?
  10. Enjoy the focus – we are so distracted with so much verbal, written and online clutter we forget what it is like to truly focus on a project, in a conversation or with our friends. Where do you need to listen with your eyes more?

 

Put down your device, switch off the laptop, look someone in the eye and enjoy your version of a digital detox.

 

 

Maybe Jim Rohn is right… discipline practiced daily does lead to success. What could you do?

 

Love to hear your ideas your version of a digital detox and what have been your results, share them here:

The post 10 Strategies for a Digital Detox appeared first on Neen James.

Quantity Time vs. Quality Time: Guest Blog by Jason Hewlett

Jason Hewlett Quantity vs QualityThe honor of my life is to be a Dad.

Over the years I have restructured my entire existence around one concept: Quality Time vs. Quantity Time as a Dad.

I used to swoop in for the big moments of my children’s lives to say I was there, using the phrase “Quality Time” as my cover while chasing financial success, hiding behind my favorite hobbies, and just being busy.

But then something flipped in my brain when I realized even that Quality Time was compromised by my mind being elsewhere, my heart not in it even when I was present.

So I began the quest for Quantity Time.

Restructured my business, my thinking, my definition of success, and downsized everywhere in order to accomplish the desire:

– Traded my Escalade in and got a Subaru Outback;

– Left the Rented Office and moved into the Home Office space;

– Raised my performance fee to only do gigs a few times per month so clients had to convince me they really wanted me there (rather than me compromising my fees to work within their needs and not mine);

– Retired from public events which took up too much time and were no longer fun;

– Committed a month to live in a motorhome and travel the U.S., all while turning away gigs and 6-figures worth of offers we could have used but kept our commitment to the family trip.

In other words we brought our kids along everywhere we possibly could.

Life became business became existence.

This is eternity here and now.

I have missed many a boat in life as far as what others suggest I ought to have accomplished by now, but I’m not missing the boat of Quantity Time with my kids anymore.

Bringing kids into this world is a huge Promise and Quantity Time is now truly Quality Time and back again. It’s a wonderful cycle and the smartest choice I’ve ever made.

To the Dads out there that might resonate with this thought, I hope you’ll join me in The Promise to Family, to 100% Presence, to Quantity Time becoming true Quality Time.

 

 

This post was originally published on Jason Hewlett’s website: www.JasonHewlett.com. To learn more about this brilliant speaker, read below and visit his website for a sneak peak into his brilliance.

Jason Hewlett About

 

 

The post Quantity Time vs. Quality Time: Guest Blog by Jason Hewlett appeared first on Neen James.

Monday, July 11, 2016

10 Strategies for a Digital Detox

Digital Detox AttentionJim Rohn said ‘success is nothing more than a few simple disciplines practiced every day’

 

I bet Jim was an awesome dinner date. He’s on my list of people I would have loved spent time with. He’s right about success, but what if it’s discipline we lack?

 

According to Fast Company, social media promotes narcissism, smartphones could cause insomnia, and screens seem to be making kids less empathetic.

 

Do you suffer from Facebook fatigue?

 

Do you suffer from social media overwhelm?

 

That was my reality (digital overwhelm) and so I decided to go on a self-imposed digital detox. You are probably familiar with juice detoxes (which I also love… but that’s topic for another blog). My digital detox was three days without email, social media and being online in any way.

 

Could you do a digital detox?

 

I thought it would be easy (well it was… and it wasn’t). I loved not looking at my phone, turning on my computer or mindlessly scrolling through websites. I also chose a holiday weekend so it was easier and many people were distracted by celebrating with those they love.

 

Here are 10 ways you could try your own digital detox… you might want to start small, maybe don’t go for three days… maybe start with 3 hours on Sunday morning – can you do it?

 

  1. Choose a timeframe – determine how long and honor the commitment to yourself. If going off line gives you heart palpitations you may want to start small. Could you start with a 3-hour timeframe?
  2. Tell loved ones – if your family and friends are used to connecting with you online, share with them that you are going offline and reassure them you are OK. Do you need to schedule a date with someone you care about to remind them they are special to you?
  3. Put away devices – consider switching it off and if you can’t do that, leave it in your bag or your car or desk drawer so you aren’t tempted to take a sneak peak at email or Facebook. Do you really need your phone with you 24/7?
  4. Turn off notifications – turn off anything that will distract you like messages, sounds or reminders that you have messages waiting for you. Do you really need all those reminders making you feel bad?
  5. Complete some projects –15 magazines sat in a pile reminding me I was behind…. each time another Success magazine arrived I felt overwhelmed … one of my projects was to enjoy the pile of magazines, take action on things I read and now the pile is only 5 magazines. Can’t say I completed it, but did make a huge dint in the pile. What is something that needs your attention that you have been putting off?
  6. Use blocking software – I love Freedom App on my laptop and iPhone, which blocks websites for periods of time so I can get things done. Could you try Freedom to allow you to focus and get things done?
  7. Be quiet – the biggest benefit of the detox was being alone with my thoughts (which is good and scary … it’s crazy town in my head). On Sunday a 5-mile walk with no phone, no music, no gadgets felt so good. It was great to notice much more and to work things out on my walk. Could you sit still for a period of time and be alone with your thoughts?
  8. Schedule fun – plan to meet someone for a date, go hiking, sit in the sun, read magazines, or call someone you love that you haven’t spoken to for a while. Could you use the time to do something you love to do without technology?
  9. Be accountable – share with the people in your home that you are going to be offline and would love their support. I even offered to give my honey my cell phone to keep me accountable, but didn’t need to. Who do you need to be accountable to?
  10. Enjoy the focus – we are so distracted with so much verbal, written and online clutter we forget what it is like to truly focus on a project, in a conversation or with our friends. Where do you need to listen with your eyes more?

 

Put down your device, switch off the laptop, look someone in the eye and enjoy your version of a digital detox.

 

 

Maybe Jim Rohn is right… discipline practiced daily does lead to success. What could you do?

 

Love to hear your ideas your version of a digital detox and what have been your results, share them here:

The post 10 Strategies for a Digital Detox appeared first on Neen James.

Wednesday, July 06, 2016

Quantity Time vs. Quality Time: Guest Blog by Jason Hewlett

Jason Hewlett Quantity vs QualityThe honor of my life is to be a Dad.

Over the years I have restructured my entire existence around one concept: Quality Time vs. Quantity Time as a Dad.

I used to swoop in for the big moments of my children’s lives to say I was there, using the phrase “Quality Time” as my cover while chasing financial success, hiding behind my favorite hobbies, and just being busy.

But then something flipped in my brain when I realized even that Quality Time was compromised by my mind being elsewhere, my heart not in it even when I was present.

So I began the quest for Quantity Time.

Restructured my business, my thinking, my definition of success, and downsized everywhere in order to accomplish the desire:

– Traded my Escalade in and got a Subaru Outback;

– Left the Rented Office and moved into the Home Office space;

– Raised my performance fee to only do gigs a few times per month so clients had to convince me they really wanted me there (rather than me compromising my fees to work within their needs and not mine);

– Retired from public events which took up too much time and were no longer fun;

– Committed a month to live in a motorhome and travel the U.S., all while turning away gigs and 6-figures worth of offers we could have used but kept our commitment to the family trip.

In other words we brought our kids along everywhere we possibly could.

Life became business became existence.

This is eternity here and now.

I have missed many a boat in life as far as what others suggest I ought to have accomplished by now, but I’m not missing the boat of Quantity Time with my kids anymore.

Bringing kids into this world is a huge Promise and Quantity Time is now truly Quality Time and back again. It’s a wonderful cycle and the smartest choice I’ve ever made.

To the Dads out there that might resonate with this thought, I hope you’ll join me in The Promise to Family, to 100% Presence, to Quantity Time becoming true Quality Time.

 

 

This post was originally published on Jason Hewlett’s website: www.JasonHewlett.com. To learn more about this brilliant speaker, read below and visit his website for a sneak peak into his brilliance.

Jason Hewlett About

 

 

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